Retention

When your braces are removed, we all want you to keep that healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Pisklak has determined that the best way for you to do that is by wearing a retainer(s). While wearing a retainer is simple, it is a very complex and powerful appliance. A retainer is an important part of your orthodontic treatment. It is designed to keep your teeth where your braces moved them.

Wearing your retainer as instructed is key to maintaining the success of your orthodontic treatment.

There are a variety of retainers. Some are removable and some are fixed, that is they are cemented to your teeth. Dr. Pisklak will provide the kind of retainer that best maintains the new positions of your teeth.

Bio Retainer (also called an Invisible Retainer)

A bio retainer can sometimes be used retentively and is most commonly made in the orthodontist office. The retainer is trimmed to a specific height, which makes it different from a bleaching tray. This retainer is most appealing to our adult patients as they are the least detectable.

Wrap-around

A wrap-around retainer is either a continuous wire appliance that goes around all the teeth or this modified Hawley (pictured here). They are very similar in function serving virtually the same purpose, which is to maximize the stability of the teeth both lingually with acrylic and labially with the wire.

Bonded

Bonded lingual retainers are cemented directly to the inside surface of your lower canines (eye teeth). This is one of the best ways to prevent your lower teeth from shifting as it is permanently attached! Patients with bonded lingual retainers must be careful with their bite as the bonding material may break due to incorrect biting and cause teeth to shift quickly. As with removable retainers, it is important to keep them clean. When brushing, make sure to carefully clean the inside of your lower teeth as well as the wire.

If your retainer breaks at any time during treatment, please do not adjust it yourself. Call us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.